Each of us can measure our musical journey by distinct
"markings" imprinted upon our lives. We have not
arrived at our current pre-occupations in music without influence
from teachers. Mentors have pushed us, pulled us, cajoled, coerced,
and dangled carrots before us in irresistable ways that gave us
forward momentum. Most of us can cite two or three people who changed
the course of our budding musicianship, sometimes many more.

One such mentor in my life was Don Hubler (and his steadfast wife,
Maxine), my high school choral director (Grossmont High School, San
Diego, California). Somehow during my sophomore year in high school,
I was attracted to this man's inspiring and wonderfully-focused
choral program. He was not only an extremely capable teacher and
musician, but he was a wonderful human being! He ventured into study
halls and persuaded bored teenage boys to give singing a try. He
sought out student athletes and government leaders, enhancing the
image of the choral program. He taught us theory, sight-singing, and
ear-training in dynamic, relevant ways. Our choral warm-ups were
never academic or "stock" - they were crafted from our
current literature and equipped us with technical skills to sing
effectively. We were good and we were proud! (Don't you each
feel that way about your high school choir?)

In a spirit of Thanksgiving gratitude and gift-giving this Holiday
Season, I want to share with you a letter that I sent a few weeks ago
to my high school "musical mentor" in celebration of his
80th birthday -

Dear Don and Maxine,

Happy 80th birthday to Don!!! Unbelievable!!!

As you know, Don Harvie informed many of us of your upcoming
birthday. For weeks, I've wondered what I could do to convey not only
congratulations, but my deep regard and tribute for your influence in
my life. I couldn't think of anything more appropriate than
dedicating some of my work to both of you. I remember as if it were
yesterday how you encouraged me to arrange piano accompaniments,
sparking my lifelong desire to compose. Throughout my graduate
studies, I learned how to write for band, orchestra, and all mediums.
But I always knew I would end up where I am today - composing choral
music. It began at Grossmont with you.

I left my church position a bit over three years ago. Merryl
became choir director at Granite Hills High School six years ago,
succeeding Ray Murphy. She has 180 kids singing in five choirs. It's
the largest choral program in the Grossmont school district. I may be
prejudiced, but her program is one of the best in the Grossmont
district. The values that motivate her program and my composing are
built on the foundation of values learned from you, not only in terms
of musicianship and programming, but in terms of influencing and
investing in the lives of students.

I work full time at writing. I publish with five choral
publishers, but two months ago I began my own publishing company - Gladde
Music Publications. I've created a website where people can see
and hear all of my music. I've designed the website so that it's
highly accessible. I think others might be copying this technology in
the future. It is the easiest way available for choral directors to
evaluate new music. If Don Harvie or someone else with access to the
internet can show you my site (maybe you're online already?), I think
you'd really enjoy viewing it.

In closing, I'm dedicating two choral pieces to both of you. Gladde
Things is the signature piece for the creation of my new
publishing company. It's being premiered next month at Houston
Baptist University and at Granite Hills. When
You Are Old is a more personal statement from me to you. The
text by W.B.Yeats is eloquent and brings you to mind with great
affection. It will be published by Lawson-Gould next year in New
York. I've printed out new title pages for you that incorporate the
dedications. I'm including a few additional pieces released this
year. Hope you enjoy seeing them.

You will always remain in my heart with deep love and appreciation.

Sincerely,

Brad NelsonPresident, Red Robe Choir '67-'68

I encourage each of you to express gratitude to one of your
musical mentors. It may mean as much to them as they have meant to you!~ December 1, 1998